Smart Enve System 8.9 Details

When first sitting down with Simon Smart to design a line of aerodynamic wheelsets Enve targeted three distinct performance goals. The shallow climbing (Smart 4.3 Wheels) and mid range all around wheels (Smart 6.7 Wheels) were the first to be released in the spring of 2011. This, the 8.9, targeted at Time Trial and Triathlon usage has been released a year later.

Enve's goal with this wheelset is to provide a wheelset that will perform as well as a disc aerodynamically while maintaining the predictability and handling of a traditional rim and spoke wheelset. What resulted is a rim that is within 5% aerodynamically of the best tested disc. Both sets of data are derived from Smart's testing procedures and involve six bikes of varying tube shapes and a mannequin rider. The handling of the rim is based on Smart's stability index, a steering metric designed to understand the predictability of a wheel in wind. The goal of the Smart Enve System rims is to create a linear relationship between wind and handling. Meaning that a 2mph increase in wind will cause the same increase in torque on the steer tube as the next 2mph increase. The same is for yaw, where a 2 degree increase in yaw will require the same amount of input from the rider to correct as the next 2 degree increase.

If the aerodynamics of the 8.9 are within 5% of the best disc, and let's say around the same range as most discs weight would be the next thing to consider. If a zip disc weighs 950-1,000g and a HED 1,200g it's easy to build an Enve 8.9 well under that. An example build using a .9, CX-Ray spokes and a Tune 170 hub would weigh around 800g, a staggering 16%-33% reduction in weight.

All Enve Smart rims are intended for use in virtually all weather conditions, terrains and disciplines. Using their proprietary molded spoke hole design, Enve ensures maximum strength at the spoke-rim interface while allowing higher spoke tensions that improve wheel reliability. Smart System rims also feature an all new textured sidewall design that improves braking response and thus rider safety. In a departure from their traditional bold decaling, Enve has chosen understated and elegant black decals that vary in appearance depending on light conditions.

Ordering

Available exclusively through Fair Wheel Bikes - custom colored Enve decals! To order your custom decal set, simply purchase a decal upgrade for each rim set purchased. Each decal upgrade includes 12 decals for a front and rear rim set. Decals are not available separate from rim purchases. Rims are shipped with decals applied. Standard rims include the stock black and white Enve Smart System decal.

Shipping ENVE Internationally

We can no longer ship ENVE products outside of the United States. We apologize if this inconveniences you.

Assembly

We recommend that wheels built with Enve 3.4 rims be assembled by an experienced wheelbuilder. We are happy to provide this service, and can provide helpful suggestions in hub and spoke selections. Please contact us directly or submit a custom wheel build request here.